Mac Miller: American rapper dies of suspected overdose aged 26

"Malcolm McCormick, known and adored by fans as Mac Miller, has tragically passed away at the age of 26," his family said in a statement.

"He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans."

The statement did not give further details on the circumstances of his death.

The Los Angeles Police Department said it was called to a "death investigation" at an address in the Valley Crest area of north Hollywood at 11.50am on Friday.

Emergency services had been sent to a patient in cardiac arrest, according to a dispatch call obtained by celebrity news site TMZ.

The celebrity news website said he died from an apparent overdose and that a friend had called police from his house.

The LA coroner has said the cause of his death is yet to be determined.

Miller was supposed to start a tour next month.

The rapper is reported to have struggled with substance abuse and depression, and was caught drink-driving while two times over the limit in May.

He had recently dated pop star Ariana Grande - and at the time of their split, she said the breakdown was "heartbreaking", although the relationship had become "toxic".

After his arrest, Grande tweeted: "Pls take care of yourself."

The pair were together from 2016 until early 2018.

Miller performed with Grande at a memorial concert following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the pair released music together before their split earlier this year.

Grande was often seen as the inspiration for Millers songs.

Miller first gained a following at age 18 with his mixtape K.I.D.S. in 2010. His best-known songs include Loud, Smile Back, and a collaboration with Grande called The Way.

His most commercially successful album was Blue Side Park in 2011, which topped the charts. This year, his release Swimming hit No 3 on the Billboard 200 list of top albums.

Tributes have been paid to the rapper.

Singer Shawn Mendes wrote: "Unreal. So sad. RIP Mac Miller".

Ed Sheeran posted a picture of himself with Miller and said he was "always such a sweetheart, always had the time of day for anyone, whoever they were".

Rapper Wiz Khalifa tweeted: "Praying for Macs family and that he rest easy", while J Cole wrote: "Rest In Peace to the great soul Mac Miller".

Jaden Smith said: "Long Live Mac Miller, Rest In Peace We Love You."

In 2012 the rapper is reported to have said: "Id rather be the corny white rapper than the drugged-out mess who cant even get out of his house. Overdosing is just not cool. You dont go down in history because you overdose. You just die."